Health Department seeks social media coordinator position funded by 20-year grant

In a recent meeting of the Utah County Commission, discussions centered around the addition of a new position within the health department, highlighting the evolving needs of public health communication. Under the bright lights of the commission chamber, Commissioner Gardner raised questions about the funding and purpose of this new role, which is set to be funded by a long-standing grant.

Eric Edwards from the health department clarified that the grant, known as the FEP grama, has been a reliable source of funding for over 20 years, recently increasing to approximately $775,000. This grant is currently in its third year of a five-year cycle, with a strong expectation of renewal, making the position sustainable in the long term.

The new hire will serve as a social media coordinator, a role that reflects the department's growing reliance on digital platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to promote health programs and services. Edwards emphasized the importance of timely responses to public inquiries, noting that the current staff struggles to manage the volume of social media interactions, which can exceed 200 posts at times.

Additionally, the health department has implemented a Google business platform to enhance public engagement, allowing for more efficient communication and reducing the need for phone calls. The new coordinator will oversee this initiative, ensuring that each division can respond to community needs effectively.

As the commission deliberates on the staffing plan, the introduction of this position signals a proactive approach to public health communication, adapting to the digital age and the increasing demand for timely information. The outcome of this discussion will not only impact the health department's operations but also the community's access to vital health resources.